Beamline Operator at ASU Gammage in Tempe, AZ

Job Profile: Engineer 1

Job Family: Engineering

Time Type: Full time

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications: Associate's degree and one (1) year of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary: Supports the institution's routine engineering projects and initiatives, including routine maintenance of various engineering systems and research facilities.

Job Description:

The X-BEAMS CXFEL facility is seeking a Beamline Operator to join our technical operations team. This role provides direct operational, diagnostic, and maintenance support for state-of-the-art X-ray beamlines, ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems, precision optics, and sub-picosecond laser systems.

This position is tailored for graduates of Associate Degree programs in Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Electronics, Instrumentation, or related technical disciplines who are eager to apply hands-on technical skills to cutting-edge scientific research. The Beamline Operator works closely with staff scientists, engineers, and visiting researchers to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient beamline operations during scientific experiments.

Position Salary Range: $54,600 - $68,300 per year; DOE

Essential Duties:

• Beamline Operations: Execute routine startup, tuning, monitoring, and shutdown procedures for X-ray beamline components, diagnostics, sample chambers, and endstations.
• System Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting on vacuum pumps, motion controllers, precision stages, water cooling loops, and basic electronic hardware.
• User & Experimental Support: Assist visiting and resident researchers with experimental setup, sample mounting, motor calibration, and detector alignment.
• Safety Compliance: Serve as a primary monitor for facility interlock systems (radiation safety, laser safety, oxygen depletion). Enforce safety protocols within the experimental halls.
• Data & Operations Logging: Document operational parameters, system outages, maintenance logs, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) using electronic shift logs and ticketing systems.
• Control Systems Operations: Utilize graphical user interfaces (e.g., EPICS, LabVIEW) to control motor positions, vacuum pressures, valve states, and diagnostic readouts.
• Shift Work: Participate in rotating operational shift schedules (including occasional evening or weekend runs) during scheduled user science campaigns.

Desired Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, basic wiring, soldering, or instrument repair.
• Coursework or practical exposure to Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) hardware (flanges, pumps, leak detection) or fluid/pneumatic systems.
• Familiarity with reading technical schematics, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID), or mechanical blueprints.
• Experience using basic laboratory test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, alignment lasers).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Basic familiarity with computer operating systems (Linux, Windows) and control software interfaces (e.g., EPICS, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or basic Python scripting).

Working Environment:

• Work is performed in an advanced scientific laboratory setting featuring cleanroom-like environments, high-voltage systems, class 4 lasers, and radiation-shielded enclosures.
• Must be able to move up to 40 lbs and maneuver in confined technical spaces around experimental hardware.
• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, and reach for extended periods during equipment setup and maintenance routines.
• Must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as mandated by laboratory safety guidelines (laser safety eyewear, cleanroom garments, gloves).

Department Statement:

The X-BEAMS Compact Free-Electron Laser Facility at ASU’s Biodesign Institute is home to world-first compact, university-scale X-ray light sources. The CXLS and CXFEL generate intense, sub-picosecond X-ray pulses designed to image dynamic molecular processes, quantum materials, and chemical reactions at atomic spatial and femtosecond time scales.

Each year since 2016, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university's culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all twelve years the category has existed.

ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. To learn more about how Knowledge Enterprise is a place for your career to grow, visit https://research.asu.edu/about-us/careers.

At Biodesign Beus CXFEL Laboratory we are dedicated to building an inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. We value your unique background and perspective, and you may be just the right candidate for this position or other roles on our team.

Driving Requirement: Driving is not required for this position.

Location: Campus: Tempe

Funding: Grant Funded

Instructions to Apply:

Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

• Cover letter
• Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.

Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.

Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date.

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

ASU’s comprehensive benefits package is a key part of your total compensation. Visit the ASU Compensation Estimator

Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement: A fingerprint check is not required for this position.